Kmart Reminds Young Women That "True Love Waits"

by Rose O’Malley, Program Assistant
National Women’s Law Center

Kmart is selling sweatpants with the slogan “True Love Waits” emblazoned across the hip and seat for juniors. According to the product overview, the pants, which come in blue, gray, and yellow, “boldly proclaim just where she stands by pointing out that "True Love Waits".”

Now, obviously, if billions of dollars of federal money and years of abstinence only education have had little effect on the sexual activities of teens (except of course to make them less likely to use condoms), then a slogan on a pair of sweatpants is probably not going to start an abstinence revolution. So why do I (and many others) have a problem with them? Well, funny you should ask…

First, the product description, with its repeated references to “she” rather than “you”, makes it clear that the young woman who wears the pants is probably not the person buying the pants. No, the purchaser is probably dear old mom and dad, who just want to remind their daughter that her true value is not in her heart or her mind, her sense of humor or her compassion, but between her legs. Maybe she can wear these while getting her makeup done for her purity ball.

And did they really need to put the slogan across the seat? I know this has been a trend for a while, but what kind of mixed message does that give to girls? That you should be sexualized, but not sexual? Gotta love a product that invites you to look at someone’s butt, but reminds you that you can’t touch it.

Finally, they are (of course) only selling them for junior girls. No, I’m not surprised, but it is tiresome to be reminded that the abstinence movement will always and forever put pressure on young women, and only young women, to remain virgins until marriage. Young men are not told that they have to wait; that if they don’t they are somehow worth less.   

In a perfect world, maybe stores would have adult unisex pants with the slogan “True love does whatever is right and safe for the parties involved.” It’s a little long to fit across the seat though, so I’m not holding my breath.

Comments

[Jessica]

I found your blog after searching for "Kmart True Love Waits Pants" because I HAD to comment on the ridiculousness of emblazoning this particular slogan on one's behind. I'm not a big fan of the whole "writing on the butt" trend in general, but the irony of this one took the cake. I prefer to state my beliefs and feelings with the other end of my body.... but that's just me.

Jessica Rogers
Owner, Sakura Rose Boutique
www.sakurarose.com

[Nicole J.]

And really, what self-respecting high school student is going to advertise her virginity on her butt?! But some "experienced" girls may decide to where the pants to keep the wool over mom and dad's eyes.

You know there would be all kinds of fury over pants with "I put out" emblazoned across the seat. :)